Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller Red Light Flashing Intermittently When Driving

Published 09/04/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1727)

$290.00

Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

(1505)

$11.98

Question:

I installed the unit on my 2021 Ascent Limited with factory harness. When I pressed the control knob, the LED turned blue. When I connected the 2019 Winnebago Micro Minnie, I could see the calibration. After driving a an hour or so, the LED started flashing red. I stopped and disconnected the trailer. It recalibrated but soon flashed red again. I stopped for fuel. When I restarted, it calibrated again. No more flashing red and the brakes seemed to be operating. However, there was no LED indication. After disconnecting the trailer, the LED would glow blue when pressed. What does that mean and is there anything else I should do?

asked by: Ken M

Expert Reply:

The flashing red light that you are getting is a sign of a voltage drop between the trailer ground and vehicle ground. This was likely caused by a loose connection in the 7-way and explains why it started and stopped randomly. You need to check the 7-way connection on your 2021 Subaru Ascent and the 7-way on your 2019 Winnebago Micro Minnie for any damaged connectors.

Some Dielectric Grease # 11755 can help protect the connectors from corrosion and against wiring shorts inside the connector.

The LED glowing blue when you press the manual activation with the trailer disconnected tells you that you are in proportional braking mode. This is normal and the only adjustments you need to make is to dial in the trailer braking level on your Minnie to where it brakes evenly with your Ascent under normal braking.

expert reply by: Bud M